L’Hotel du Nord

L’Hôtel du Nord

Leaving the pretty banks of the Canal St Martin behind you, push back the red velvet drapes, to discover a zinc bar, black and white flagged flooring and tiled murals on the walls.

L’Hôtel du Nord has a rich and wonderful past.

When L’Hôtel du Nord first opened in 1885 as a restaurant and hotel, it had a bit of a reputation of being somewhat of a flea bag place.

Later, in the 1930’s, director, Marcel Carné made a film in the hotel, adapted from Eugène Dabit’s novel. The movie was a great success and put Hôtel du Nord on the map.

In 1993, l’Hôtel du Nord was saved from demolition, renovated, listed as a historical building and once again became a charming hotel.

The current owners took ownership in 2005, where they carefully and sympathetically renovated the interior. Opening up the tiny hotel into a spacious modern restaurant but still keeping the historical charm.

This wonderful restaurant is full of ambience, has a great welcoming feel and the staff are helpful and friendly.

They serve delicious, tasty, simple food, which is very reasonably priced.

Last time I was there I had the most creamiest polenta I have ever experienced, whipped into a fluffy, smooth comforting winter dish with succulent duck and a demi-glaze sauce on the side.

Simply wonderful.

My friend had their burger and fries, which she said was also delicious.

Personally, I don’t get that excited about a burger but she is French and knows her food, so we will have to take her word for it!

There is so much more to discover in this fabulous restaurant but if I give away everything, there will be no surprises.

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